Working in the Right-of-Way    (aka ROW)

One-Time ROW permit (pdf available here)

Annual ROW permit (pdf available here)

POLICY FOR WORKING WITHIN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY    (pdf of this policy available here)

  1. Both the applicant/utility company and the installing contractor must obtain an annual permit to work in the right-of-way (annual permit pdf form available here)
  2. A permit is necessary for each work area or project within the right-of-way. e.g., pole installations, buried cables, gas lines, switching stations, etc. Permission from the property owner is a responsibility of the permit applicant
  3. Each driveway requires a permit.  [process, fees, consequences]
  4. Maintenance and repair (isolated locations) of existing facilities and emergency work will be covered under your annual permit. Construction of new installations requires plans and a separate permit for each project.  This work is NOT covered by the annual permit.
  5. All above ground structures (poles, guy wires, etc.) should be placed at 31 to 33 feet from the centerline of the Right-Of Way.  A Plan Detail Sheet showing the proposed structures must be submitted with the permit application.
  6. Utility or other installations placed on private easements or acquired right-of-way and work related to the use of the public right-of-way will require plans and a permit to work in the public right-of-way.
  7. Permits may be revoked when the utility or contractor does not display proper traffic control devices and/or flag persons when necessary and as determined by the Department of Public Works Inspector.
  8. Open cuts will not be allowed on concrete or asphalt roadways. Special projects with open cuts on gravel roadways will require plans, specifications and separate review and authorization by the Department of Public Works.  Any work in the roadway adjacent to work in the right-of-say must be done by the Lawrence Department of Public Works or permitted licensed contractor. In addition, when any work requires destruction of the asphalt, concrete, grass, sidewalk, trees, mailboxes, etc. in the right-of-way, The Village or permitted contractor will be responsible for restoration of the grass, sidewalk, mailboxes, trees, and asphalt or concrete portions of driveways if disturbed.
  9. Construction drawings/prints must accompany the permit application. As a minimum, prints will show location of all permanent structures (poles, cables, gas lines, stations, valves, etc.) in relation to centerline, edge of metal, or section line.  Other data or dimensions as may be required the Department of Public Work's Engineer will be submitted by the applicant.
  10. When trees are removed, stumps within 8 feet of the traveled roadway must be ground out.
  11. A  bond may be requested as stated under Item 3 on the reverse side of the permit application.
  12. It is the responsibility of the Utilities to assure that the contractors and subcontractors who work under their permits have sufficient equipment to handle large tree trunks, stumps, wood, etc., and remove them from the right-of-way at the time the work is done. Overnight hazards will be properly marked with lighted devices after approval by Village Street Administrator.
  13. Village is not responsible for issues arising from installations made prior to the approval date of this policy.

 

Driveway permit application   (form available here)

SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR CONCRETE OR ASPHALT DRIVEWAY PLACEMENT

Concrete and/or Asphalt Approaches and Ties to the Existing Bituminous Roadway: 

  1. The permit applicant is to provide a drawing showing the profile tie, radii, and the tie into pavement.  The drawing is to show the cross section of the driveway with a minimum of a one inch radius on the exposed edge, on radii and shoulder approach.  (See reverse side for typical drawing.)
  1. The permit application is to be checked and issued by the Village of Lawrence.
  1. You are to call 24 hours before pouring concrete.
  1. Should it ever become necessary to remove the approach concrete or asphalt due to maintenance or construction operations, the applicant agrees to replace the concrete or asphalt from the road right-of-way line to pavement at his cost.
  1. A MINIMUM shoulder width of five feet with ½ inch per foot drop from bituminous pavement is required.  Wider shoulders to maintain minimum slope or special slope will be determined by the Village of Lawrence.
  1. A joint, either a cold joint, saw cut or insulated joint, is to be made at the right-of-way line or as directed by the DPW Superintendent to facilitate removal, if necessary.
  1. IF the requirements of this permit are not complied with, the Village of Lawrence will determine the corrections to be made or the removals to be completed by the contractor.

If Asphalt is Used for Approaches on Concrete Driveways: 

  1. The concrete shall end in back of the ditch line or a minimum of the right-of-way line from edge of road.
  2. Asphalt may be placed between the concrete and the road at 240 pounds per square yard